Dubai-inspired beautification amid civic woes draws Opposition ire

Jalandhar Mayor Vaneet Dhir appeared overwhelmed by Dubai’s growth and style, as he sought to introduce some of its concepts in Jalandhar. Dhir had visited Dubai in October, and weeks after his return, he announced plans for a Dubai-style food street in Company Bagh. More recently, he arranged for fully-grown date palms to be planted along roadsides in Jalandhar.

These date palms were planted in the Old Baradari locality along the residences of officials, including the Deputy Commissioner, Commissioner of Police, SSP Rural, District and Sessions Judge, and other top officials, right up to the entry point of Hansraj Stadium. House No. 1, Old Baradari—earlier earmarked for the Divisional Commissioner, where CM Bhagwant Mann was reportedly planning to shift—also fell along this path.

The trees were planted in close proximity along the edges of the pathway to beautify the already green part of the city, but no effort was made to clear the garbage dumping sites along this route to enhance its scenic appeal.

The move drew sharp criticism from the Opposition. District Congress Committee (Urban) president Rajinder Beri condemned the beautification exercise as completely wasteful, stating, “Had the MC provided all required basic civic amenities to residents, it could have considered such ideas. Our sewage systems remained clogged for four months. Our roads were in tattered condition. Our streetlights did not function properly. Amid all this, we planted fully-grown palm trees, which are not even native to Punjab. Big landlords may plant date palms to add charm to their buildings, but was it not ironic for the MC to do so?”

Mayor Vaneet Dhir responded, “It seemed the Congress leader did not want Jalandhar to look posh and beautiful. We bought these trees in bulk from a Saharanpur-based contractor at Rs 6,500 each, with an additional Rs 2,000 for transportation and planting, making the total cost just Rs 8,500 per tree. Most beautification in the city was done for free by sponsor companies using CSR funds, so that should not have been a problem. The way ex-MLA Beri attacked me or my political rival and halqa in-charge Nitin Kohli clearly showed he was upset with our progress. He should have found some other agenda.”